Friday, August 23, 2013

Sun Tan Lotions Are Essential Products

By Haywood Hunter


In the United States alone, over one million individuals are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer on an annual basis. Cancers of this type are associated with regular exposure to the sun and its harmful UV rays. Sun tan lotions were designed to help one protect his or her skin from cancer and sunburn.

Those searching for ways to protect themselves from the harmful rays of sun should consider investing in a quality lotion that will help them achieve this goal. However, it is important to be aware of certain facts before one chooses such a product. Suntan lotion is a term that covers a broad range of formulas, such as sunscreen or sunblock. It can also refer to products that attract the sun, which are used by those who want to achieve a dark tan.

Sunscreens absorb UV rays and then release them as heat. They prevent the rays from reaching the innermost dermal layers of one's skin. Sunblock reflects the rays away from the person's body completely to another surface. Both work well, but many experts recommend sunblock, as this will ensure that little or no harmful rays are absorbed by the user's skin.

Titanium oxide and zinc oxide are the active ingredients in the majority of sun tan lotions. The only exception to this is tanning accelerators, which do not contain these ingredients. Because there are major differences among such products, it is important for consumers to read the labels on the formulas in which they are interested.

If one's goal is to prevent skin damage or cancer, he or she should carefully evaluate the sun protection factor of any product being purchased. This is often referred to simply as the product's SPF. The latter is displayed as a number on the bottle, typically from 2-60. The higher the SPF is in the blend, the more sun protection the product offers.

It is also important for consumers to understand that certain lotions block UVB rays, but do not block UVA rays. UVA rays are known to be more damaging than UVB rays, although both can have detrimental side effects if long-term sun exposure occurs. Those who want to be sure of blocking as many harmful rays as possible should select a formula that blocks both UVB and UVA rays.

Sunscreens should be applied about thirty minutes prior to any type of sun exposure. This allows the formula an appropriate amount of time to be absorbed into the person's pores, where it will work effectively to prevent skin damage. The lotion should be used on any parts of one's body that he or she anticipates exposing to the sun. It is also important to reapply the product according to the directions on the label.

Sun tan lotions can be purchased online or in traditional bricks and mortar establishments. However, as previously mentioned, one must take care to purchase only high-quality products, or they will be of little or no help in preventing skin cancer or sunburn. Regardless of the product one chooses, exercising wisdom concerning sun exposure is always in his or her best interest.




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